Prokaryotic expression systems, such as those based on Escherichia coli, can be used to express eukaryotic proteins, but there are several important considerations:

Advantages:

●      Cost-Effective and Fast: Prokaryotic systems are relatively inexpensive and can produce proteins quickly. Suitable for preliminary studies and high-throughput screening.

●      Simple Growth Conditions: Requires simple media and growth conditions. Reduces costs and simplifies protein production.

 

Limitations:

●      Lack of Post-Translational Modifications: Prokaryotic systems do not perform many of the post-translational modifications (e.g., glycosylation) that eukaryotic proteins often require. Proteins requiring specific modifications for functionality or stability may not be correctly processed.

●      Formation of Inclusion Bodies: Eukaryotic proteins expressed in prokaryotic systems may form insoluble aggregates known as inclusion bodies. Requires additional steps to refold and solubilize the protein, which can be complex.

●      Protein Folding Issues: Eukaryotic proteins may not fold correctly in a prokaryotic environment. Misfolded proteins may lack biological activity or be unstable.

●      Toxicity to Host Cells: Some eukaryotic proteins may be toxic to prokaryotic cells. May require optimization of expression conditions or alternative systems.

Prokaryotic expression systems can be used for the production of eukaryotic proteins, particularly for initial studies or when the protein does not require complex modifications. However, for proteins that require specific post-translational modifications or proper folding, eukaryotic expression systems (such as yeast, insect cells, or mammalian cells) are often preferred.

GenCefe provide one-stop solutions from codon optimization, gene synthesis, to protein expression and purification. In addition to four conventional expression systems of bacterial, yeast, insect cell, and mammalian cell, we have also developed a patented cell free expression technology, which is suitable for the production of difficult proteins such as toxic proteins and membrane proteins.